Q&A on How Pasta Fits into Your Budget with Erin Chase, The $5 Dinner Mom
We know that it’s important to keep to a budget when feeding a family, that’s why for this month’s Pasta Spotlight we’ve connected with Erin Chase, “The $5 Dinner Mom” to get some advice and to ask her about how pasta fits into her life. In addition to her blog that focuses on feeding a family for $5 a meal, Erin’s also written 3 cookbooks on the topic! Check out what she has to say about eating pasta on a budget below.
1. Here at Pasta Fits, we pride ourselves on that fact that pasta is a versatile ingredient that can fit into a budget of any size! We love that you are able to make so many meals under $5 – can you give us some tips on making great tasting food that doesn’t drain the bank account?
My best and foremost advice is start paying more attention to the prices of the ingredients you buy for your dinner meals. Pay close attention to what’s on sale at the store each week and purchase those items and incorporate into your meal plan each week. If you see chicken breast on sale, grab a few extra packages to toss into the freezer, so you don’t have to pay double during the non-sale weeks.
When pantry staples like pasta noodles or frozen veggies are on sale, grab a few extra boxes or packages. The goal is to ‘never pay full price’ for anything at the grocery store!
2. Are there any staple ingredients that you keep in your pantry that can help to keep the meal cost down and keep your cooking delicious?
You’ll always find these staples in my pantry: Pasta (usually spaghetti and a spiral variety), canned beans and tomatoes, canned tuna and a big bag and several varieties of dried beans. With these ingredients, I can come up with at least a week’s worth of dinner ideas when combined with some chicken or beef and fresh produce.
3. As a mom, we’re sure you’ve had to deal with your share of picky eaters. What do you think is the key to keep your kids and your wallet happy?
We have been through a number of picky eating phases, and even through ‘eating therapy’ with one of my boys who was having severe texture and swallowing issues. Even through all of that, I still made one meal each night and everyone knows and abides by our ‘one bite’ rule. It’s amazing to me how a child can gawk and glare at a food because it ‘looks bad,’ but quickly change their mind after 1 bite. And while I still have one child who is ‘bean-resistant,’ he has learned to take his bite and eat around them if necessary. Overall I think the key is consistency in offering a wide variety of flavors, textures and types of foods.
4. We know you recently launched a one-pot cookbook and love the idea (mostly because it’s makes less dishes to clean). Can you share tips about one-pot cooking?
I adore one-dish cooking because it fits perfectly with my stage in life, ‘busy working mom with 4 boys.’ I desperately need meals that are quick to prepare, easy to cook and fast on to the dinner table. The ‘fewer dishes’ thing is the added bonus. ‘Dump and run’ into the slow cooker, a casserole dish, or even onto the grill is what I need and crave these days, and I love that I can do just that without sacrificing flavor and healthfulness of the meal.
5. Last but certainly not least – do you have a favorite pasta recipe from one of your cookbooks or blogs that you’d be willing to share?
My favorite pasta dish is without a doubt these Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Noodles. Partly because I’m obsessed with roasted garlic. And partly because roasted garlic, plus the flavor of parmesan, all mixed with pasta is just perfection in a bowl.
About Erin:
Erin Chase is the founder of 5DollarDinners.com and author of The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook series. When not whipping up delicious, frugal meals in the kitchen, she can be found out of a run, chasing her boys around the neighborhood, or taking escape from the summer heat in the pool. She lives with her husband, 4 boys and 1 furry boy in San Antonio, TX.
You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Looking for more information about moms and food? Check out the “Top Foods Mistakes Mom Make”.
